Peru’s New Constitution Dream: A Radical Shift on the Horizon
Roberto Sanchez, a 57‑year‑old congressman from the Together for Peru party, has entered the political arena with a bold promise: to rewrite Peru’s constitution entirely. His campaign hinges on the belief that the 1990s charter, drafted under former President Alberto Fujimori—father of current second‑round opponent Keiko Fujimori—fails to represent the nation’s diverse peoples.
Why a New Constitution?
- Ignored Communities: Sanchez argues that the current charter neglects rural, Andean, and Amazonian populations, leaving them marginalized while natural resources benefit only a few.
- Call for Justice: He proposes convening a constituent assembly and putting the new charter to a national referendum, emphasizing justice over expropriation.
Economic Reforms
- Higher Mining Taxes: Introduce steeper levies on mining profits.
- Wealth Tax: Target the richest to redistribute wealth.
- State Control: Strengthen government oversight of natural resources, ensuring local communities receive a fair share.
Social Stances
- Abortion: Support only in cases of rape or when the mother’s life is at risk.
- Anti‑Discrimination: Oppose discrimination on any basis.
- Corruption: Enforce tougher penalties, lifetime bans from public office for repeat offenders.
- Security: Enhance cooperation between armed forces and police to combat organized crime.
Political Context
Sanchez’s ties with former foreign trade minister Pedro Castillo—ousted in 2022 and now jailed on rebellion charges—have raised investor concerns. Castillo’s supporters view Sanchez as a policy successor, while the mining industry worries about contract and tax changes. Despite this, Sanchez vows not to hand power back to Castillo if elected but will seek his release and justice for protest victims.
The Runoff Race
With a conservative majority in both congressional chambers, Sanchez faces an uphill battle. Current polls show:
- Keiko Fujimori: 17.18 % of the vote
- Roberto Sanchez: 12.03 %
The June 7 runoff promises to shape Peru’s political and economic future.
